2003 Buick Century problems
Owners have filed 170 complaints about the 2003 Buick Century with NHTSA. Exterior lighting accounts for 28.8% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 13.5%.
Complaints170
Crashes6
Fires2
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Exterior lighting 28.8% · 49
Electrical system 13.5% · 23
Engine and engine cooling 7.6% · 13
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.6% · 13
Structure 7.6% · 13
Steering 4.1% · 7
Vehicle speed control 3.5% · 6
Power train 3.5% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 6 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 10 model years of the Buick Century in this data, 2003 sits 6th by complaint volume. 1999 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 11 in the last three years against 18 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 65,092 miles.
In owners' own words
Headlight high beams would randomly turn off leaving no visibility for night driving. This occurred on several occasions. Switching back to low beams provided light. Brought vehicle to gm dealership and it was unable to duplicate the problem. Dealership suggested that a remedy might be to replace the multi function switch or blinker switch. This replacement was done on 12/11/06 at a cost of $682.02. Exterior lighting · reported at 49,950 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Buick Century. While driving 55 mph, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who suggested that replacing the demo switch from the column may remedy the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the turn signal failed to signal. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000. Exterior lighting · reported at 152,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Buick Century. While driving various speeds at night, the headlights dim. When the high beams are activated, the headlights illuminate again. The contact has seen identical failures like this on the internet. The failure and current mileages were 57,000. Updated 12-01-08 *bf the dealer stated the vehicle needed a new multi-function switch. Updated 12/02/08. Exterior lighting · reported at 57,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Buick Century years
1997 132 complaints · 16.7% electrical system 1998 278 complaints · 10.1% service brakes, hydraulic 1999 287 complaints · 20.2% engine and engine cooling 2000 249 complaints · 19.7% power train 2001 190 complaints · 15.3% engine and engine cooling 2002 204 complaints · 14.2% engine and engine cooling